Nepal landslide, floods: 84 killed, 156 missing

Kathmandu, Aug 17: At least 84 people have been killed and 156 still missing in

as heavy downpour continues across the country, triggering landslides and floods, officials said Sunday.

The toll reached 84 after 33 bodies were recovered Saturday, Xinhua reported.

Ten districts in the country's western region suffered most damage due to the landslides and flooding while details of actual loss both of life and properties are yet to come.

"Carcasses of cattle are everywhere, houses are under water, properties have turned into debris while the farmlands with crops have been washed away," Sanjaya Parajuli, a local political activist from Birendranagar, said.

"Incessant rainfall also left some 1,500 people homeless and stranded in the calamity-hit zone, waiting for choppers to rescue them," Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson at Nepal's home ministry, said.

Incessant rainfall also left some 1,500 people homeless

Panic-stricken people started heading for highlands with whatever possession that the mudslides and flooding left while others are mourning deaths of their near and dear ones and blaming the government for what they called its cold response.

Home ministry officials said it has been difficult for the government to dispatch rescue and relief teams and materials to the disaster-hit areas as most of the major roads have been swept away.

On Aug 2, a massive landslide in Sindhupalchowk district in the country's eastern part killed 156.

IANS